Coming Fall 2026
Overview
Requiring LockDown Browser for a zyBooks Assessment
LockDown Browser is a secure browser that restricts access to other applications and websites during an exam to maintain academic integrity. Use of zyBooks LockDown Browser for assessments is optional and available to any instructor who wants to add a layer of security to their in-book assessments.
When enabled, students must download and use LockDown Browser to access the assessment—they cannot use a standard web browser. LockDown Browser is only available for assessment sections in zyBooks. Other content types, such as labs and test bank questions, must be added to an assessment in order to use LockDown Browser.
This article explains how to configure zyBooks' custom LockDown Browser implementation within assessments and the resulting student experience.
Why use LockDown Browser through zyBooks?
zyBooks offers a built-in integration with Respondus LockDown Browser included with a zyBooks subscription at no additional charge — no separate Respondus license required. Configuring LockDown Browser directly in zyBooks rather than through an LMS (Canvas, Blackboard, or D2L) only requires a few steps and supports grade passback to the LMS for LTI 1.3 users.
Enabling LockDown Browser for an assessment
LockDown Browser is configured from the Edit Section view of your assessment.
Once enabled, students will see a notice on the assessment page with links to download and test LockDown Browser. Students will not be able to begin the assessment without launching it through LockDown Browser.
Note: The LockDown Browser used for zyBooks is a custom OEM version. Students should download it using the link on the assessment page, not from the general Respondus website.
Advanced settings
After enabling LockDown Browser, use Advanced settings to configure additional options.
Lock students into the assessment until it is completed When checked, students cannot exit LockDown Browser before submitting the assessment attempt.
Proctor password (optional): Set a password that allows the student to close LockDown Browser early if they run into a technical emergency. If set, keep this password available during exam sessions in the event of an emergency. The proctor password should not be shared broadly.
Allow access to specific external web domains When checked, students will be able to browse specific external websites from within LockDown Browser during the assessment if you include a link to the website within the assessment content. All other websites will be blocked by default.
- Students will be able to browse freely within any domain you add at this step, including navigating to pages beyond the specific URL you enter.
- Only add domains to this field that you intend students to have full access to during the assessment.
- Enter domains as a comma separated list (e.g., www.wikipedia.org, www.npr.org).
Alternatively, If you wish to restrict access to a specific webpage, you can bypass this step and include a link to the webpage (e.g., https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Periodic_table) within the assessment content. Web links embedded directly in the assessment content do not support navigating away from that specific page.
Enable calculator on the toolbar When checked, a calculator will be available to students within LockDown Browser during the assessment. Choose between:
- Basic calculator — standard arithmetic functions
- Scientific calculator — includes trigonometric, logarithmic, and other advanced functions
Enable printing from the toolbar When checked, students can access print functionality from within LockDown Browser.
Setting an assessment passcode (optional)
A separate access passcode can be set for your assessment under the Access controls section. When a passcode is set, students must enter it after LockDown Browser launches before the assessment timer begins. This is useful for in-person, proctored sessions where you want to control when students start.
If you set a passcode, communicate it to students at the time of the exam (e.g., verbally or written on a whiteboard). zyBooks does not distribute passcodes to students.
What students experience
- Student navigates to the assessment in the zyBook and sees the LockDown Browser requirement notice.
- Student clicks "Download LockDown Browser" and installs the application or clicks "Test LockDown Browser" to verify an existing installation.
- When ready, student clicks "Begin assessment", which prompts them to open LockDown Browser OEM.
- LockDown Browser launches, alerts the student if any restricted applications are detected and either closes them per student's request or allows the student to exit and close the applications themselves.
- LockdownBrowser verifies installed version compatibility before loading the assessment.
- If a passcode is required, the student is prompted to enter it. The student must enter the correct passcode to proceed to the next step.
- If no passcode is required, this step is skipped.
- The system launches the assessment attempt and the assessment timer starts.
- Student completes the assessment. A review screen allows them to check for unanswered questions before submitting.
- Upon submitting, the student sees an "Assessment complete" confirmation and LockDown Browser closes automatically. The student's assessment attempt is complete.
Communicating LockDown Browser requirements to students
If you are using the zyBooks Respondus integration option on your assessments, we recommend notifying students about the LockDown Browser requirement before the day of the exam. Consider including the following in your syllabus or LMS announcement:
"This course uses Respondus LockDown Browser for assessments in zyBooks. You will need to download and install it on a Windows or Mac computer before your first exam. The download link and a version test tool are available directly on the assessment section in your zyBook. Note that Chromebooks and tablets are not supported for these assessments."
Students will have access to the Lockdown Browser download and testing functions once the instructor publishes the assessment with LockDown Browser enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students use LockDown Browser on a Chromebook or iPad? No. LockDown Browser requires a Windows or Mac computer. If you have students without compatible devices, contact your institution's IT support.
A student says they can't open the assessment — what should I check? Ask the student to confirm they downloaded LockDown Browser using the Download LockDown Browser link on the assessment page (not from the general Respondus website) and that they're on a supported Windows or Mac device. If the issue persists, have them use the Test LockDown Browser link to check their installation.
A student accidentally closed LockDown Browser mid-exam. What do I do? If time remains on the assessment, the student can navigate back to the assessment section in their zyBook and click "Resume assessment" to relaunch LockDown Browser and resume where they left off. If the assessment duration or availability window has passed, the assessment will have been auto-submitted with answers completed up to that point.
Can I change LockDown Browser settings after students have started the assessment? The assessment editor will notify you if students have already begun. Some changes may be restricted once the assessment is in progress to ensure consistent scoring.
How does zyBooks' integration with Respondus LockDown Browser differ from an LMS-integrated Respondus option? Many institutions have access to Respondus LockDown Browser via their LMS integration. While you may choose to use the LMS-integrated Respondus option, zyBooks assessments must be set up as a 3rd party quiz within the LMS's quizzing tool and configuring the LMS-integrated Respondus settings. Grade passback may not be supported when using your LMS-integrated LockDown Browser.
Still need help? Use the link below to submit a request to zyBooks Support or visit the Respondus Help Center.